The FotoFacial/RF With Levulan
A “Supercharged” FotoFacial/RF

To fully understand this new procedure, we encourage you to read our FotoFacial/RF information as the FotoFacial/RF with Levulan is an enhancement of this procedure)

As good as the FotoFacial/RF is that we offer to rejuvenate sun damaged skin, remove pigment, redness, and reduce rosacea, there is a new addition to the procedure that can substantially enhance the results of the FotoFacial/RF. Known as Photodynamic Therapy or PDT, a photosensitizing agent in the form of topical cream is applied to the area undergoing a FotoFacial/RF for a short time before it. The photosensitizing agent we use is Levulan (aminolevulinic acid). Levulan is absorbed selectively by those cells in the skin that produce pigment, the blood vessels that make our skin red and cause rosacea, superficial premalignant skin lesions known as actinic keratosis, and cells infected with acne causing bacteria. When the IPL energy from the FotoFacial/RF device hits the skin, the Levulan in the affected cells is converted into a chemical that releases free oxygen radicals destroying these cells into which it has been taken up. Levulan multiplies the effect and thereby the benefits of the FotoFacial/RF treatment by targeting specific cells for destruction.

PDT is a new treatment that is just coming into its own. The results reported by many cosmetic and non cosmetic dermatologists around the world researching PDT have been very impressive. After one to three treatments, resistant cystic acne has resolved, actinic keratoses have disappeared, pigment, and skin redness and rosacea have all improved. New benefits of PDT are being discovered almost daily. Patients report a substantial improvement in the texture of their skin after PDT. In fact, most physicians who have performed both consider the FotoFacial/RF with Levulan equal to about three standard FotoFacial/RF treatments.

In short, the FotoFacial/RF with Levulan is a real advance in skin rejuvenation, one that doesn’t injure the skin or require a great deal of healing.

How Does The FotoFacial/RF With Levulan Procedure Differ From A Standard FotoFacial/RF?

The only difference between the standard FotoFacial/RF and one with Levulan is in the preparation before the FotoFacial/RF. Prior to the procedure, your face (or any other area to be treated) is cleaned with acetone or it is treated with microdermabrasion. Then the area treated is covered with Levulan cream for about 30 to 60 minutes. The Levulan is wiped off and the FotoFacial/RF proceeds in standard fashion. Where the standard FotoFacial/RF treatment takes 30 minutes or so depending on the area treated, adding Levulan requires about an hour more of your time to allow it to absorb into the skin.

What Is The Downtime With The FotoFacial/RF With Levulan?

Anybody who has undergone a FotoFacial/RF knows there is virtually no downtime. After a FotoFacial/RF with Levulan you can expect 3-7 days where you will not look your best. Redness and mild to moderate swelling of the treated area followed by light peeling can be expected after PDT with Levulan. The intensity of the post treatment redness and swelling depends on how long the Levulan is left on prior to the FotoFacial/RF, an individual’s sensitivity to Levulan and the degree of sun damage, active acne and other underlying skin conditions the patient may have. As with the standard FotoFacial/RF, pigmented areas of the treated skin will darken temporarily and disappear in a few days after the treatment.

Although you do not look your best after the treatment, your activities are not limited, as long as you either avoid direct sunlight entirely or protect yourself from the sun for 48 hours following the treatment.

Are There Any Special Requirements Before And After A FotoFacial/RF With Levulan?

You will be required to take antiviral pills for several days after the treatment to prevent an outbreak of oral herpes virus infection (cold sores). Additionally, you must avoid the sun entirely or very carefully protect your treated skin from it for 48 hours after treatment.

When Will I See The Results Of A FotoFacial/RF With Levulan?

The results will begin to be apparent as the post treatment redness and swelling subside in five to seven days. After this time, active acne resolves, rosacea improves, pigmentation lightens, and chronic redness reduces. Within two weeks after a PDT treatment, your skin will feel noticeably smoother. Any actinic keratosis you may have will largely disappear. Within months of a series of FotoFacial/RF with Levulan treatments, fine lines and wrinkles usually show definite improvement.

How Many FotoFacial/RF With Levulan Treatment Are Required?

Although there is increased post treatment downtime with Levulan, as compared with a standard FotoFacial/RF treatment, less treatments are required to achieve remarkable results. For active acne, facial rejuvenation from sun damage, heavy pigmentation, and rosacea, three treatments are usually all that are necessary. Some patients are completely satisfied after only one treatment.

How Often Are FotoFacial/RF With Levulan Done?

FotoFacial/RF with Levulan treatments are done about three to five weeks apart.

How Much More Expensive Is The FotoFacial/RF With Levulan Than The Standard Treatment?

Each FotoFacial/RF with Levulan treatment costs about 50% more than the standard FotoFacial/RF. However, as a course of treatments with Levulan requires less treatments, the actual cost of a course of three treatments with Levulan is about the same as a standard treatment course of five FotoFacial/RF treatments. Treatments can be purchased individually or in a package of three.

Can FotoFacial/RF With Levulan Treatments Be Combined With The Standard Treatment?

We can combine one or two FotoFacial/RF with Levulan treatments in a course standard FotoFacial/RF treatments for those who are reluctant to commit to the extra downtime a complete course of FotoFacial/RF with Levulan treatments entails.

If I Am Interested In Seeing If This New Treatment Can Benefit Me, How Do I Proceed?

Simply call 623.876.9494 and arrange a complimentary consultation with Dr. Richard Fisher in our office. Our office address is 13090 N. 94th Dr., Suite 200, Peoria, AZ 85381. (Proceed 4 lights west of the Thunderbird exit off the loop 101, turn left or south at 94th Drive to the second two story building on the right and take the elevator to the second floor, Suite 200.)